Free Introductory Couples Workshop

This free workshop is a preview to our upcoming one day workshop on 2 April. If you are interested in learning more about what to expect during a full day workshop, then this free workshop is right for you!

Are you ready to communicate effectively, without conflict or escalation?

Develop a new understanding

Communication is an important part of a happy relationship. Unfortunately, couples often get caught in repetitive patterns that lead to conflict, hurt feelings, and frustration. What’s going on here?

During this workshop we will explore the three most common relationship patterns, how they disrupt communication, and ultimately increase conflict.

Once these patterns have been identified, couples will have the tools to start stepping out of them.

The Secret to Effective Communication

Knowing the cycles that prevent effective communication is important, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. The second important piece, what we call ‘the secret to effective communication,’ will also be revealed.

As a result, couples will leave the workshop with practical exercises that will ignite noticeable changes within their relationship. These positive chances can help set them on a path toward greater understanding and closeness.

Practical information

For all couples: This engaging two hour workshop was developed for both new and long-term couples who want to protect and strengthen their connection.

It’s the beginning of a new year, which means it is a perfect time for new appreciation.

There is no doubt that many of are busy with our new year’s resolutions aimed at what we hope to improve on in the new year. Often these resolutions are about what we want to change for ourselves. While looking after ourselves is fundamentally important, including our relationship and the things we would like to focus on within them, can be equally as important.

What would 2017 be like if you made a resolution to show your partner some daily appreciation? Your motto could be: ‘A new year full of new appreciation.’

Here are 7 easy ways to show your partner daily appreciation.

(For a shorter version, check out the video below!)

1. Acknowledge what your partner is doing right

Often in relationships we tend to focus on what our partner is doing wrong. This not only makes our partner feel inadequate, it also turns our focus on the negative, rather than the positive. The more positive things we can list about our partner, the better we feel about them and in turn, about our relationship.

2. Tell your partner what you admire about them

Telling your partner what you admire about them makes them feel both special and loved. When we feel loved, we are more likely to give love and go out of our way to do things for others. If you want your partner to notice you, make sure you take time to notice them!

3. Take over a household chore

In healthy relationships, the more we give the more we get. By taking over a chore that your partner usually does, your partner will be more inclined to do something for you. Why not choose a task that you know your partner hates and spend the week doing it for them. We’re pretty sure you will be happy with what you get in return!

4. Plan something unexpected

Plan something when your partner least expects it not only makes your partner feel appreciated, is also a great way inject some fun and spontaneity into the relationship!

5. Thank them for all the things they do for you

There’s nothing better than being recognized for the things you do right in your relationship! Thanking your partner for what they do for you is a great way to show them just how much you care.

6. Recognize the effort they put into the relationship

Relationships take effort and care, yet sometimes we are too busy to stop and notice. Make sure that you set aside time each day to recognize the effort your partner is putting into your shared relationship.

7. Show some love and affection

And the icing on the cake is of course to show your partner how much you appreciate them through love and affection! Something that of course we are all looking for in our romantic relationships, so don’t hold back!

Fall Reflections, Relationship Changes

Fall has arrived! This means that all of the seasoned expats have returned from their summer getaways and many new ones are just settling in. The weather is changing and the kids are finally back in school. Now that we have resumed our regular routines, it seems like a perfect time to reflect and make some positive relationship changes. Furthermore, don’t you and your partner deserve to end the year closer than ever before?

Fall Promotional Offer

Our passion is helping couples realize how small changes can have a big impact. While most couples are able to make many changes on their own, many won’t do so simply because they lack the time or don’t know where to begin.

Let us help you discover how spending just two days together, without any daily distractions, can change the course of your relationship.

Register for a two day private retreat between 15 October and 12 December and receive 15% off.

Based on the Hold Me Tight® Program

The private retreat is based Hold Me Tight®. This is an evidence based, relationship enrichment program developed by Dr. Sue Johnson. Consequently, it is not couples therapy. However, it does utilize methods from Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) which is known to help most couples effectively make changes in their relationships. As a result, it is one of the leading forms of therapy currently available to couples.

The retreat focuses on helping you move out of a negative pattern of conflict and disengagement. The methods you will develop will teach you how to communicate differently and step out of recurring arguments. This greater awareness will help increase (or restore) intimacy, strengthen your relationship and therefore, create a deeper connection.

This retreat is intended for couples who are committed to strengthening their relationship and not currently in crisis. To learn whether this retreat is right for you and most of all, if you are eligible, we welcome you to book an online non-obligatory Skype introduction.

Here is a list of 10 things that awesome partners provide for their significant other.

(For a shorter version, check out the video below!)

1. Genuine interest

Awesome partners recognize that a happy relationship relies on showing their partner that they are genuinely interested in them as an individual. They are curious about their partner and they show it. They do this by spending time together and by being available for emotional closeness.

2. Understanding, before advice

Couples are often too quick to give their partners advice. Instead of simply listening and offering understanding, they dive right into problem solving.

Awesome partners know that listening and understanding their partner must proceed offering advice. They are happy to advise their partner if asked, but in general, they believe that their partner is capable of solving their own problems. They realize that what their partner sometimes really needs is someone to lean on.

3. Admiration

Awesome partners tell their other half what they admire and love about them. This makes their partner feel good and in turn creates a positive environment.

Furthermore, awesome partners know that developing fondness and admiration for their partner safeguards them from developing a negative outlook on the relationship. The more they focus on the things they love about their partner the less they become irritated by the things they don’t like.

4. Listening

Along with expressing what they like, awesome partners also listen. And they do this through asking open questions which prompts deeper answers. When their partner feels like they are being heard they find it easier to open up and connect. This helps the couple feel like they know each other better, which is important for the longevity and satisfaction of the relationship.

5. Empathy rather than criticism

In a world full of criticism, awesome partners know that what there partner really needs is more empathy. Empathy creates a secure feeling and allows both parties to be receptive to the needs of their partner. It also makes them more likely to listen and respond to requests. Criticism, on the other hand, only leads to defensiveness and distancing.

6. Unconditional support

When someone outside the relationship attacks, awesome partners know the importance of siding with their partner and not the outsider. Standing up for their partner shows their partner that they are allies, not enemies. This helps the couple feel like they are on the same team and can rely on each other for unconditional support.

7. Take responsibility for their share

Awesome partners are able to see their own mistakes and take responsibility for them. All healthy relationships are based on a partnership where each partner is equally responsible. Both parties bring in issues and problems into the relationship. Neither are to blame for this, yet both must take responsibility for their share.

8. Focus on the positive

Instead of noticing the things their partner does wrong and minimizing what they do right, awesome partners focus on the positive. They know that it is important to emphasize what there partner is doing that pleases them and to let go of the little things.

Just as with parents who want to help their kids grow and learn, awesome partners put the emphasis and praise on what their partner is doing right while overlooking what they are doing wrong.

9. Turn towards their partner

Instead of turning away during times of distress, awesome partners know how to turn towards their partner. While it’s not always easy to turn toward their partner during disagreements, awesome partners realize that continuing to develop this skill creates more connection and a greater feeling of closeness. It also prevents their partner from feeling rejected.

10. Allow for change and let go of past mistakes

Humans are constantly changing, making lots of mistakes along the way. Awesome partners see this as a positive thing and are able to allow room for change while at the same time letting go of past mistakes their partner has made. No one is perfect, but awesome partners realize that their partner doesn’t make mistakes on purpose and that they genuinely want to do better.

We will be bringing you blog posts that directly relate to common issues that expat and cross-cultural couples experience while living abroad. We will also cover the everyday issues that most couples go through on their journey through life together.

The posts will be based on evidence-based research and professional knowledge that we have gathered from working with countless expats and cross-cultural couples from around the globe. We will also be drawing on insights from our own experiences living abroad, in a cross-cultural relationship.

Our aim is to help couples who are living in their non-native environment thrive, both as a couple and as individuals.